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HGTV

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the American channel. For the British and Irish version, see HGTV (British and Irish TV channel).

HGTV
CountryUnited States
HeadquartersKnoxville, Tennessee
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format1080i HDTV
(downscaled to letterboxed 480i for the SDTV feed)
Ownership
OwnerWarner Bros. Discovery
ParentWarner Bros. Discovery Networks
Sister channels
List
History
LaunchedDecember 30, 1994; 29 years ago (1994-12-30)
Links
Websitewww.hgtv.com
Availability
Terrestrial
Astro MalaysiaCH 715 (HD)
Streaming media
Affiliated Streaming ServiceMax
Service(s)DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Vidgo, FuboTV

HGTV (an initialism for Home & Garden Television) is an American basic cable channel owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. The network primarily broadcasts reality programming related to home improvement and real estate.

As of November 2023, HGTV is available to approximately 72,000,000 pay television households in the United States-down from its 2011 peak of 100,000,000 households.[1]

History

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Kenneth W. Lowe (then a radio executive with The E. W. Scripps Company and, subsequently, the chief executive officer of Scripps Networks Interactive) envisioned the concept of HGTV in 1992. With modest financial support from the E.W. Scripps corporate board, he purchased Cinetel, a small video production company in Knoxville, as the base and production hub of the new network. Lowe cofounded the channel with Susan Packard.[2][3]

Cinetel became Scripps Productions, but it found producing more than thirty programs simultaneously daunting. The organization brought in former CBS television executive Ed Spray, who implemented a system of producing (nearly all) programming through independent production houses around the United States. Burton Jablin, as Vice President of Programming, set the tone and oversaw the production of the early series. About 90 percent of the channel's programming consisted of original productions at launch, with ten percent licensed and rerun from Canadian channels, PBS, and other sources.

Using local Scripps cable franchises (since divested), the Federal Communications Commission "must carry" provisions of Scripps medium-market television stations, and other small television operators to gain cable carriage, the channel launched on December 30, 1994. The major programming themes, unchanged since the beginning, were home building and remodeling, landscaping and gardening, decorating and design, and crafts and hobbies.

HGTV logo used from December 30, 1994, to February 28, 2010.

During its development, the channel was originally named the Home, Lawn, and Garden Channel. The name was later shortened and a logo was developed. The network debuted with a skeletal staff, but with gradual acceptance by other cable operators, it now reaches 94 million households in the United States and has either partner networks, or network interests, internationally elsewhere. It is now referred to simply as "HGTV"; the full name of the channel is de-emphasized.

In July 2008, the E.W. Scripps Company spun off the channel and the other Scripps cable channels and web-based properties into a separate company, Scripps Networks Interactive; E.W. Scripps broadcast television and newspaper properties remain as part of the original company.[citation needed]

In December 2011, the channel began broadcasting all of its programming in 16:9 aspect ratio format on its primary standard definition channel.[4] This results in the appearance of black bars on the top and bottom of the screen on 4:3 aspect ratio televisions; its high-definition channel displays the channel's programming in its native aspect ratio.

On March 6, 2018, Discovery Communications completed its merger with Scripps Networks Interactive and assumed control of HGTV, Food Network and Travel Channel.[5][6]

Programming

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Main article: List of programs broadcast by HGTV
At the February 23–25, 2018, Capital Remodel and Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center, (l to r) Chris Lambton and Peyton Lambton

HGTV's programming focuses primarily on reality shows on home-buying, renovation and flipping. SNI CEO Ken Lowe stated of the programming strategy that "We're not going to surprise you. We're not going to throw you a curve ball. It's not easy to create content that people are passionate about and somewhat addicted to that is somewhat repetitive." As of 2016, HGTV has invested at least $400 million annually on original programming.[7]

In 2021, a New Yorker feature said that HGTV's programming "for twenty-six years has offered content that is cheering and conflict-free", describing it as "low-budget and unassuming", "of recuperation, or respite", and "apparently at ease with the idea of tranquilizing America."[8] An HGTV executive described how the network tells stories about people having an actual milestone—"celebrating one of the best days of their life."[8]

An annual promotion held by the network is the HGTV Dream Home, a sweepstakes which awards a custom-built house as its grand prize.[9]

High definition

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The 1080i high definition simulcast feed of HGTV launched on March 31, 2008. Originally, the HD channel did not simulcast the standard definition feed of HGTV. Instead, the HD channel featured programming separate from the standard channel. The standard definition feed of the channel began to carry the full 16:9 aspect ratio downgraded from the HD feed in a letterboxed format in early 2013.

Carrier disputes

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Cablevision

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On December 31, 2009, Scripps Networks Interactive removed the Food Network and HGTV from New York City-area cable provider Cablevision, on the day that its carriage contract was set to expire. After months of negotiations, an agreement between Scripps and Cablevision was not reached, prompting the removal of the two channels.[10] On January 21, 2010, Cablevision and Scripps reached a deal and the channels were restored to Cablevision's systems in the New York City area on the same day and by the next day in other areas.[11]

AT&T U-verse

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On November 5, 2010, AT&T U-verse dropped the DIY Network, Cooking Channel, Food Network, Great American Country and HGTV, due to a carriage dispute with Scripps Networks.[12] The carriage dispute was resolved two days later, on November 7, 2010, through a new carriage agreement.[13][14]

Controversies and criticism

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On June 13, 2012, representatives for HGTV admitted that scenes featured in the original series House Hunters are mostly re-creations of prior events.[15] In many cases, the final decision and purchase were made prior to filming. In some cases, homes visited were not even on the market.

In May 2014, HGTV decided not to premiere the Benham Brothers' series Flip It Forward (which was created for the channel), due to a controversy regarding the Brothers' beliefs concerning homosexuality and abortion.[16][17]

In July 2023, The Washington Post covered a study that found that homeowners who watched HGTV and saw the "before" sequences, in which hosts are critical of the pre-renovation living space, felt "uneasy" about decorating decisions they make inside of their home. The study suggests this has led to a "shift toward standardization," in which homeowners choose neutral, inoffensive design choices.[18]

International

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Canada

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Main article: HGTV (Canadian TV channel)

In 1997, Atlantis Communications and Scripps Networks launched a Canadian version of HGTV as a basic cable specialty channel. Through a series of acquisitions over the years, Corus Entertainment became Scripps Networks' partner in the network.

The Canadian version features much of the same programming as the U.S. channel, as well as domestically produced programs, and some similar programming acquired from other broadcasters. Some of HGTV Canada's programs have, in turn, been picked up by the U.S. channel; Love It or List It and Property Brothers have been among HGTV's most popular programs in the United States.[7] The two programs were originally produced for a local sister channel, W Network, but were later moved to HGTV Canada and other sister channels after W Network was retooled as a women's general entertainment channel.[19]

In June 2024, WBD announced that it would end its licensing agreements with Corus and Bell Media for its lifestyle and factual networks beginning in 2025, and transfer Canadian rights to the brands to Rogers Communications.[20] The existing channel will be relaunched by Corus under the in-house brand Home Network effective December 30, 2024,[21][22] while a new HGTV channel under Rogers ownership will launch January 1, 2025.[23]

Singapore

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In December 2014, HGTV Asia was first launched in Singapore via Starhub TV, but on August 31, 2018, it (and other Discovery Network channels) ceased transmission and relaunch again on October 1, 2023. It was launched on Singtel TV on September 28, 2018, on Channel 250.

Australia

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On February 1, 2015, HGTV launched in Australia on Australian IPTV service Fetch TV.[24][25]

On February 14, 2017, the channel was made available in HD for Fetch TV customers.[26]

Programming from the network also airs free-to-air on Nine Network's digital multichannel 9Life.[27][28]

Malaysia

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On August 31, 2015, HGTV launched in Malaysia on Astro.[29]

On August 1, 2023, HGTV also launched in Malaysia Via Unifi TV.

Netherlands and Belgium

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On January 21, 2021, it was announced that HGTV would launch in the Netherlands through Ziggo in the course of 2021,[30] but the launch was eventually postponed indefinitely.[31] The channel eventually launched on January 15, 2024, on KPN, Odido and Ziggo.[32][33] In Belgium, HGTV launched on March 27, 2024, via Telenet.[34]

HGTV was launched in Portugal on MEO in June 2022, using the Dutch feed with Portuguese subtitles during programs.[35] It was then added to Vodafone, and NOS on 10 October 2024.[36]

New Zealand

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HGTV
Broadcast areaNew Zealand
Programming
Picture format576i (SDTV 16:9)
Ownership
OwnerWarner Bros. Discovery New Zealand (Warner Bros. Discovery Asia-Pacific)
Sister channels
History
LaunchedJune 27, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-06-27)
Availability
Terrestrial
Freeview19 (SD)

On June 27, 2016, HGTV launched in New Zealand as a free-to-air channel on the Freeview terrestrial platform. The channel was started as a joint venture with the Canadian broadcaster Blue Ant Media.,[37] but in late 2019 Discovery, Inc. took over the channel.[38] On August 24, 2016, HGTV launched on the Freeview satellite platform and on Sky. HGTV programming is available on-demand via ThreeNow.

Indonesia

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On July 1, 2016, HGTV launched in Indonesia on MNC Vision. HGTV also launched on First Media, Indihome UseeTV, MyRepublic and Matrix Gaurda (same with Nex Parabola).

Italy

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As of February 2, 2020, HGTV Italia is available through DTTV (free to air terrestrial digital television) on channel 56 and on satellite (Sky and Tivùsat). Most of the schedule is filled with U.S. TV shows, with Italian voice over.

Poland

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Scripps Network Interactive purchased a majority stake in TVN from Grupa ITI, taking control of company's channels. On January 7, 2017, HGTV replaced fitness and weather channel TVN Meteo Active. HGTV is referred to in Poland as HGTV Home&Garden. This was the first market in Europe the channel has expanded to.

Philippines

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On March 1, 2015, HGTV launched in the Philippines on Skycable, Destiny Cable, and Cignal.

Romania

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On December 30, 2019, HGTV launched in Romania on RCS & RDS.

Taiwan

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On May 29, 2016, HGTV launched in Taiwan Via Kbro, Taipei Cable, TWT Cable, and New Taipei City Cable. From January 1, 2020, HGTV launched in CHT MOD.

Hong Kong

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HGTV was launched on Hong Kong's Now TV and Now Player on September 1, 2021, on channel 529 to replace FOX Networks Group Asia Pacific's channels.

Myanmar

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HGTV had its Launch in Sky Net Channel 67 on October 19, 2018, and also plans to launch in Myanmar on CANAL+ Channel 119.

Vietnam

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HGTV was launched in Vietnam on November 20, 2018, available on VTVCab and Viettel TV.[39]

Latin America

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HGTV was launched in Latin America in partnership with Discovery Inc. in March 2019.[40]

United Kingdom and Ireland

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Main article: HGTV (British and Irish TV channel)

In June 2019, it was announced that former UKTV channel Home, which Discovery had acquired full control of earlier in the year, would be replaced as a UK version of HGTV on January 21, 2020.[41]

Germany

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On June 6, 2019, HGTV launched in Germany on Astra 19.2°E and Cable TV free to air.

Middle East and North Africa

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In Middle East & North Africa region, HGTV is available on beIN Media channel 260 and is one of their leading lifestyle channels.

South Africa

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On July 15, 2019, Discovery launched the re-imagined South African version of HGTV on the DStv satellite platform on Channel 177, as well as on the DStv Now streaming platform.

Bulgaria

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After the closing of Fine Living for Bulgaria (January 2020) starts HGTV.

France

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A French version of HGTV was officially set to launch on Canal+ in November 2020 and the website was created, but the channel was scrapped.[42][43][44]

Belgium

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A Dutch language version of the channel is set to launch on Telenet in March 2024.[45]

Hogar de HGTV

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Hogar de HGTV
Programming
Picture format1080i HDTV
Ownership
OwnerWarner Bros. Discovery
ParentWarner Bros. Discovery Networks
Sister channels
History
LaunchedJune 30, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-06-30)
Links
Websitewww.hogarhgtv.com
Availability
Streaming media
Service(s)FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Vidgo, YouTube TV

Hogar de HGTV is a spin-off American Spanish-language network of HGTV, featuring content from HGTV, Discovery, and Food Network dubbed into Spanish, along with some original content delivered natively in Spanish. The network was launched on June 30, 2020, and has limited carriage through the Spanish/Latino tiers of national cable providers, including Cox and Spectrum at launch. It is distributed exclusively in high-definition.[46]

Awards

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HGTV was honored with the Academy of Achievement Award for their significant impact on the home and garden décor industry at the 22nd Annual Accessories Resource Team (ARTS) gala event on January 2, 2011.[47] In 2012, HGTV won the Dixon Award for Best TV Channel.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "U.S. cable network households (universe), 1990 – 2023". wrestlenomics.com. May 14, 2024. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
  2. ^ "Susan Packard Drove Home HGTV's Culture While Ratings Sprouted". March 24, 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  3. ^ "Susan Packard of HGTV and Scripps Networks Interactive shares advice at Business Women First event - Bizwomen". Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  4. ^ "HGTV Goes HD, Makes Teranex Video Processors Its Standard. - Free Online Library". Archived from the original on October 27, 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  5. ^ Meg James (March 6, 2018). "Discovery completes $12-billion takeover of Scripps Networks' Food, HGTV and Travel channels". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  6. ^ Dade Hayes (March 6, 2018). "Discovery Closes $14.6B Acquisition Of Scripps Networks Interactive". Deadline. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  7. ^ a b "HGTV Will Never Upset You: How the Network Beat CNN in 2016". Bloomberg.com. December 28, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  8. ^ a b Parker, Ian (March 22, 2021). "HGTV is Getting a Renovation". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on March 22, 2021.
  9. ^ "HGTV dream homes can become nightmares for winners". Plainview Daily Herald. June 23, 2005. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  10. ^ Finke, Nikki (January 4, 2010). "Cablevision vs Scripps Fight Over Food Network/HGTV Could Last Weeks Longer". Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  11. ^ Stelter, Brian (January 22, 2010). "Food Network and HGTV Back Aboard Cablevision". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
  12. ^ "AT&T's U-verse Drops Food Network, HGTV and Other Scrippy-s Networks", Chicago Tribune. November 5, 2010.
  13. ^ Food Network, HGTV, Back on U-verse. Chicago Tribune. November 7, 2010.
  14. ^ "AT&T U-verse, Scripps Reconnect on Carriage Contract". Multichannel News. November 7, 2010.
  15. ^ Barshad, Amos (June 13, 2012). "Nothing Gold Can Stay: HGTV Admits House Hunters Is Partially Staged". Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  16. ^ Respers France, Lisa (May 8, 2014). "Benham brothers lose HGTV show after 'anti-gay' remarks". CNN. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  17. ^ Blake, Meredith (May 8, 2014). "HGTV drops reality show starring anti-gay-marriage Christian activist". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  18. ^ Kurzius, Rachel (July 7, 2023). "HGTV is making our homes boring and us sad, one study says". The Washington Post.
  19. ^ Fall TV 2017: Specialty targeting shifts Media in Canada, 2018-07-04
  20. ^ Thiessen, Connie (June 10, 2024). "Rogers scoops Warner Bros. Discovery rights from Corus and Bell". Broadcast Dialogue. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  21. ^ "Can lifestyle channel reboot lay foundation for a Corus turnaround?". C21media. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  22. ^ Nino Gheciu, Alex (September 18, 2024). "Corus announces two new lifestyle networks after Rogers scoops up Food Network and HGTV". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  23. ^ "Rogers deal to shift Discovery Science, OWN, Animal Planet channels to streaming, on demand". Cochrane Eagle. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  24. ^ Knox, David (December 9, 2014). "Fetch TV adds BBC First". TV Tonight. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  25. ^ Perry, Kevin (December 9, 2014). "Big Blow for Foxtel as they Lose Exclusive Rights for Premium Drama Channel BBC First". Nelbie. Archived from the original on December 19, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  26. ^ "Fetch". Facebook. February 14, 2017. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  27. ^ "SAY HELLO TO AUSTRALIA'S FIRST FREE - TO - AIR LIFESTYLE CHANNEL" (PDF). Channel Nine Publicity. Nine Entertainment Co. October 28, 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 24, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  28. ^ Barrett, Dan (October 28, 2015). "Nine 2016 Upfront: Plans to broadcast in HD and launch new lifestyle FTA channel". Mediaweek. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  29. ^ "Three new Astro channels from Aug 31". Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  30. ^ Jarco Kriek (January 21, 2021). "Ziggo breidt uit met Home & Garden TV en discovery+" (in Dutch). TotaalTV.nl. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  31. ^ Jarco Kriek. "Komst HGTV HD bij Ziggo uitgesteld" (in Dutch). TotaalTV.nl. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  32. ^ "HGTV to launch in the Netherlands". Broadband TV News. October 30, 2023. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  33. ^ Jarco Kriek. "Ziggo, KPN en Odido gaan zenderaanbod uitbreiden" (in Dutch). TotaalTV.nl. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  34. ^ "Interieur- en lifestylezender HGTV komt binnenkort naar België" (in Dutch). HLN.be. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  35. ^ Kanas, André (June 1, 2022). "Canal HGTV chega a Portugal como exclusivo MEO".
  36. ^ "Lançamento do canal HGTV | Forum NOS". forum.nos.pt (in Portuguese). Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  37. ^ "HGTV heading to New Zealand".
  38. ^ "HGTV On Demand New Zealand". HGTV On Demand New Zealand.
  39. ^ "Kênh HGTV chính thức ra mắt tại Việt Nam". vtvcab.vn. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  40. ^ "Discovery lanza en LatAm la señal lifetyle HGTV". Prensario.TV. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  41. ^ "Discovery U.K. to Rebrand Home as HGTV, Revive Gok Wan's 'How to Look Good Naked'". The Hollywood Reporter. June 26, 2019. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  42. ^ Thomassin, Geoffrey (August 25, 2020). "HGTV : la chaîne dédiée à la maison et au jardin arrivera en novembre chez CANAL+". alloforfait.fr (in French). Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  43. ^ Raby, Maxime (August 25, 2020). "Lancement d'une chaîne de Discovery dans les offres Canal en novembre". Univers Freebox (in French). Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  44. ^ "HGTV FRANCE – Tagline à définir". November 9, 2020. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  45. ^ "Warner Bros. Discovery lanceert HGTV in België met Ads & Data". www.mm.be (in Dutch). Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  46. ^ Hayes, Dade (June 22, 2020). "Discovery Debuts Spanish-Language Network Drawn From HGTV, Food Network And Discovery Channel On Charter, Cox Systems". Deadline. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  47. ^ "22nd Annual ARTS Awards Winners". Dallas Market Center.

Further reading

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